God’s victorious intervention on behalf of His people then inspired reverent fear in their foes.
“And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.” (v.29) This powerful statement in 2 Chronicles 20:29 demonstrates how God’s intervention on behalf of His people reached beyond Judah to the surrounding nations. In the historical context, King Jehoshaphat (who reigned over Judah from approximately 873 to 849 BC) had just witnessed a miraculous victory against invading armies. The nearby kingdoms learned how the LORD directly fought for His people, and that knowledge filled them with awe and fear. This region lay in the southern area of the Promised Land, centered around Jerusalem, and these other kingdoms would have included lands east of the Jordan, as well as those to the north and west of Judah. Their proximity highlighted how swiftly news traveled about God’s deliverance.
By describing “the dread of God” (v.29), the writer underscores that it was not merely a sense of human fear, but a profound recognition of the Almighty’s supremacy. This concept of God’s protective power resonates throughout the Old Testament, reflecting how the LORD defends His covenant people. Other scriptures also portray God’s might humbling powerful armies (for example, see Isaiah 37:36), foreshadowing the greater deliverance of humanity through Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Colossians 2:15). The kingdoms around Israel realized that no human strength could stand before the one true God.
In this verse, the emphasis remains on the LORD’s capacity to work on behalf of those who trust Him. King Jehoshaphat’s faith and humble obedience (2 Chronicles 20:3-4) stand as an example for believers everywhere. Even today, Christians can reflect on this event to remember that God’s power can bring victory and peace, confounding the might of earthly foes and cultivating a reverent respect for the LORD in the hearts of onlookers.
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2 Chronicles 20:29 meaning
“And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.” (v.29) This powerful statement in 2 Chronicles 20:29 demonstrates how God’s intervention on behalf of His people reached beyond Judah to the surrounding nations. In the historical context, King Jehoshaphat (who reigned over Judah from approximately 873 to 849 BC) had just witnessed a miraculous victory against invading armies. The nearby kingdoms learned how the LORD directly fought for His people, and that knowledge filled them with awe and fear. This region lay in the southern area of the Promised Land, centered around Jerusalem, and these other kingdoms would have included lands east of the Jordan, as well as those to the north and west of Judah. Their proximity highlighted how swiftly news traveled about God’s deliverance.
By describing “the dread of God” (v.29), the writer underscores that it was not merely a sense of human fear, but a profound recognition of the Almighty’s supremacy. This concept of God’s protective power resonates throughout the Old Testament, reflecting how the LORD defends His covenant people. Other scriptures also portray God’s might humbling powerful armies (for example, see Isaiah 37:36), foreshadowing the greater deliverance of humanity through Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Colossians 2:15). The kingdoms around Israel realized that no human strength could stand before the one true God.
In this verse, the emphasis remains on the LORD’s capacity to work on behalf of those who trust Him. King Jehoshaphat’s faith and humble obedience (2 Chronicles 20:3-4) stand as an example for believers everywhere. Even today, Christians can reflect on this event to remember that God’s power can bring victory and peace, confounding the might of earthly foes and cultivating a reverent respect for the LORD in the hearts of onlookers.